Flexible tactile sensors

Abstract

A tactile sensor including a first insulating layer, an intermediate layer of conductive soft polymer material, and a second insulating layer. The intermediate layer includes first and second electrically conductive strips located therein and the intermediate layer is positioned above the first insulating layer. The first and second electrically conductive strips are located within the same horizontal plane within the intermediate layer and the first and second electrically conductive strips are connected to an impedance measuring device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claim priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 768,199 entitled “Tactile Sensors for Measuring Shear Force” filed on Nov. 16, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relate to force measuring sensors and methods of fabricating the same. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of force sensors that utilizes multiple sensing elements that are arranged in an array to measure changes in force across a surface. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to force measuring sensors that are arranged in a manner in which both shear and normal forces can be measured.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There have been notable advances in the design and development of artificial robotic hands over the last several decades. The Utah / M.I.T. hand was developed over twenty years ago with three ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a tactile sensor with improved sensory capabilities. The sensor has a first insulating layer, an intermediate layer with conductive strips, and a second insulating layer. The conductive strips are made of a flexible support material with conductive nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene, dispersed within it. The sensor can detect various forces, shapes, and vibrations, and can be used in various applications such as in the field of robotics and wearable devices. The sensor is also easy to manufacture and has improved durability.

Problems solved by technology

One general problem for upper limb amputees is that they lack proprioceptive feedback about the grip force applied by their prostheses.

However, the detection and prevention of grasped objects from slipping is a difficult problem in general that is important not only for prosthetic hands but also for autonomous robots.

Although these sensors provide good flexibility in a large area, their response, spatial resolution, and sensor size on a large area are limited.

Control of dimensions of sensors and sensor elements during the fabrication process is another limitation

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